For Parents

 

Clubfoot information

What is clubfoot?

Clubfoot is a deformity present at birth that twists the foot downward and inward, making walking difficult or impossible. While it cannot be prevented, it can be corrected using a relatively inexpensive treatment process called the Ponseti method.

Read more about Clubfoot

Can it be treated?

Yes, clubfoot can be treated! We adhere to treatment through the Ponseti method, the gold standard of clubfoot treatment. The treatment phase involves weekly casting for four to eight weeks and, in most cases, a minimally-invasive outpatient procedure to lengthen the Achilles tendon, called a tenotomy. After this, in the maintenance phase, children wear a foot abduction brace for 23 hours a day for three months, and then at night and nap time until the age of five. Children born with clubfoot can take their first steps on completely straight feet thanks to early intervention and to this relatively simple, cost-effective treatment method.

Where can I get help?

We currently operate partner clubfoot clinics in 16 countries in Africa and Latin America. Click the “find a clinic” button below to see if there is a Hope Walks partner clubfoot clinic near you. If not, please contact us and we’ll do our best to refer you to someone who can help.

Find a Clinic

Parent Education Tool

A guide for parents of children with clubfoot. Download in your language.

English
Amharic
Chinchewa
Creole
French
Kinyarwanda
Kirundi
Portuguese
Spanish
Swahili

Video Resources

Hope Walks has been working in partnership with Medical Aid Films to create four films about clubfoot and the Ponseti method of treatment. These films are used to train parent advisors, as well as an educational tool for parents. Videos (with and without English/French subtitles) are available for streaming or download by clicking the images below. Currently the videos are in English, French and Portuguese. Within the next few weeks, Spanish, Amharic and Kinyarwanda translations will be available.

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Stories from Our Families

Freedom From Clubfoot

Freedom From Clubfoot

Jun 9, 2021

Clever in Rwanda At 5 years old, Clever is an active child. He runs, jumps and plays like other kids his age. In fact, his life seems so normal now that it is hard to believe that he was actually born with clubfoot.  Living in a culture that vilifies physical...

Endless advice

Endless advice

Jun 1, 2021

Abigail in Malawi When Abigail was born with clubfoot in Malawi, her parents had no shortage of advice from friends and neighbors on how to best treat the child.  Neighbors encouraged parents Masina and Monica to manipulate Abigail’s feet on their own. Others told...

A new closeness

A new closeness

May 6, 2021

Eliana in Mozambique Emidio and Arcinia are both hard-working parents, but making ends meet is a challenge. Emidio has been working in neighboring South Africa to find better employment and sending money back home to his wife. Their budget was already tight, but the...